Sheila Jackson Lee says she has pancreatic cancer

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U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, the congresswoman shared in a statement Sunday on the social media platform X.

“My doctors confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Jackson Lee said. “I am currently undergoing treatment to combat this disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.”

Jackson Lee, 74, represents Congressional District 18, a seat she has held for 30 years. In March, she defeated challenger Amanda Edwards, a former Houston city councilwoman, in the most competitive primary of her congressional career. Before the March primary, Jackson Lee had drawn only four primary challengers, and she defeated them all by significant margins. She has been in Congress since 1995.

In her statement, Jackson Lee said she “will likely be absent from Congress occasionally” while she undergoes treatment, but plans to continue serving her constituents with the services they “deserve and expect.”

“I am committed to working with our congressional leaders, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Speaker of the House, to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation critical to the prosperity and security of the American people,” indicates the press release.

Jackson Lee previously battled breast cancer. In 2012, she announced that she was cancer-free after being diagnosed the previous year.

“I look forward to many more years of enjoying my family, friends and serving our community and our nation,” she said at the time.

Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York and served as a judge before being elected to an at-large seat on the Houston City Council in 1989. She has since become a household name in Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in Texas. populated in the country.

Last year, Jackson Lee ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Houston. She lost by a wide margin to Senator John Whitmire, then quickly announced that she would seek re-election to Congress.

Jackson Lee received an outpouring of support on X following his evening announcement.

“Some things are bigger than politics,” reads an article from the Harris County GOP. “Please join us in praying for Congresswoman Jackson Lee and her loved ones during this difficult time, as we wish her a speedy recovery.”

It is currently unknown where Jackson Lee is being treated.

“I am confident that my doctors have developed the best possible plan to target my specific disease,” she said. :”The road ahead will not be easy, but I am confident that God will strengthen me.”

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